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Basketball is included in top sports being played in Japan but it is less popular than football and baseball.[1] Takehiko Inoue's manga series Slam Dunk (1990–1996) is frequently cited as popularizing the sport in the country and for inspiring a generation of players.[2][3][4] The number of high school basketball players reached a record high of more than 113,000 boys in 1995, and over 77,000 girls in 1994.[4] The Japan Basketball Association later presented Inoue with a special commendation for his contributions to the sport.[5] However, the numbers have continued to drop since then.[4] Okuyoshi Shinada, a director of the JBA, said in 2007, "We didn't take advantage of the golden opportunity. In the end, compared to soccer, basketball couldn't get beyond the boundaries of school physical education."[4]
- ^ Blog, Japan Wonder Travel (2021-03-16). "10 Most Popular Sports In Japan". Japan Wonder Travel Blog. Retrieved 2021-03-23.
- ^ Turner, Lianne (November 29, 2012). "How 'Slam Dunk' Manga artist brings characters to life". CNN. Retrieved June 9, 2024.
- ^ Wong, Alex (October 9, 2019). "The comic that sparked Japan's interest in the NBA". Yahoo! Sports. Retrieved June 11, 2023.
- ^ a b c d "マンガの力（１） スラムダンク奨学金（上）". The Asahi Shimbun (in Japanese). November 8, 2007. Archived from the original on November 9, 2007. Retrieved June 9, 2024.
- ^ Loo, Egan (June 9, 2010). "Japan Basketball Association Awards Slam Dunk's Inoue". Anime News Network. Archived from the original on October 7, 2013. Retrieved June 17, 2013.